Ina Garten’s Fish Chowder is a rich and comforting seafood dish that combines tender fish, smoky bacon, and creamy potatoes in a flavorful broth. This chowder is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a balance of creamy texture and fresh seafood flavors. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is a fantastic addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

What is Ina Garten Fish Chowder?

Ina Garten’s Fish Chowder is a hearty, creamy soup made with flaky white fish, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, onions, and a flavorful broth enriched with cream and herbs. It’s a satisfying dish that brings out the natural sweetness of fresh seafood while adding a smoky depth from bacon.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Fish Chowder

Rich and creamy texture – A comforting dish with a velvety broth.
Packed with fresh seafood flavors – Uses tender white fish for a delicious taste.
Easy one-pot meal – Simple preparation with minimal cleanup.
Perfect for cold weather – A warm and satisfying dish for cozy nights.
Great for entertaining – Elegant enough for guests yet easy to make.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Fish Chowder

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups fish stock or seafood broth
1 cup clam juice (or additional fish stock)
2 large potatoes, diced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 ½ pounds white fish (such as cod, halibut, or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Fish Chowder

Cook the Bacon and Aromatics

Sauté the bacon – In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
Sauté the vegetables – Add the diced onion and celery to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add garlic and butter – Stir in the minced garlic and butter, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Make the Broth

Stir in the flour – Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Add liquids and seasonings – Slowly pour in the fish stock and clam juice, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Add potatoes and herbs – Stir in the diced potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Cook the Fish and Finish the Chowder

Add the fish – Gently stir in the white fish pieces and let them simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.
Stir in the cream and milk – Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Let the chowder warm through without boiling.
Adjust seasoning – Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Serve and Garnish

Remove the bay leaf – Discard before serving.
Garnish and serve – Sprinkle crispy bacon and chopped parsley over each bowl. Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Fish Chowder

Serve with crusty bread – A warm baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping.
Pair with a crisp white wine – A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the dish.
Enjoy with a fresh green salad – Lightens up the richness of the chowder.
Top with oyster crackers – Add a classic crunchy topping.
Serve alongside roasted vegetables – A great way to add more texture to the meal.
Pair with a seafood platter – Serve alongside a shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon for an elegant seafood feast.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Fish Chowder

Use fresh, high-quality fish – Cod, halibut, or haddock work best for a firm texture.
Don’t overcook the fish – Add the fish towards the end and cook just until flaky.
Use homemade or high-quality fish stock – Enhances the depth of flavor.
Simmer gently after adding cream – Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Let the flavors meld before serving – Resting the chowder for 5-10 minutes enhances the taste.
Add corn or leeks for extra sweetness – A delicious variation to balance flavors.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Fish Chowder

Make it spicy with red pepper flakes. Add a little heat to the broth.
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream – A lighter, dairy-free alternative.
Add shrimp or scallops – Boost the seafood flavor.
Try a smoky version with smoked fish – Smoked haddock or salmon adds depth.
Stir in fresh corn kernels – Adds a natural sweetness and extra texture.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Fish Chowder

Refrigerate in an airtight container – Stays fresh for up to 3 days.
Freeze for longer storage – Can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture may change slightly.
Thaw overnight in the fridge – If frozen, let it defrost slowly before reheating.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Fish Chowder

Reheat gently on the stovetop – Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Avoid boiling – High heat can cause the cream to separate.
Add a splash of milk or stock if too thick – Helps restore the original consistency.

FAQs

Can I make fish chowder ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chowder a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze fish chowder?

Yes, you can freeze fish chowder for up to 2 months, but note that the cream may separate upon thawing. Stir well when reheating to restore texture.

What is the best fish to use for fish chowder?

The best fish for chowder are cod, haddock, or halibut, as they hold their shape and have a mild, flaky texture.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Fish Chowder is a creamy, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of fresh fish, smoky bacon, and rich broth creates a comforting meal that’s ideal for any occasion.

Try it today and enjoy a classic, restaurant-quality seafood dish at home!